Animal Names for Girls

Drusilla is an ancient Roman name, (probably) borne by descendants of Antony and Cleopatra, and is one of the 'illa' names that are ready for a comeback, especially with its cute short form Dru.
 Drusilla appears in the New Testament as the wife of Felix (twin alert?), and later made appearances in Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone and Faulkner's The Unvanquished. Drusilla is a vampire in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and was a long-running character on the soap The Young and the Restlass. 
 An alternate spelling is Drucilla.

Drusilla

A sweet-meaning and sounding name dating back to the Roman Empire, and later found in the antebellum South, Dulcie has in the modern era been heard most often in Australia.
 In Agatha Christie's mystery Murder on the Links, there are twin sisters named Dulcie and Bella, who were a vaudeville duo known as "The Dulcibella Kids." In Don Quixote, the hero's love is Dulcinea.

Dulcie

A succinct and approachable name with a sweeping meaning, Duniya may also be written as Dunya, Dunia, and Dounia. 


Duniya

An early African-American name, along with variation Eartha.

Earth

Ece is another name for Umay, the Turkish goddess of the Earth and fertility. It is derived from the Old Turkic word eçe, meaning "mother."

Edelynn is a modern feminine name that combines traditional elements with contemporary styling. It likely blends the Germanic prefix 'Edel-' (meaning noble or precious) with the popular '-lynn' suffix that has become a staple in 21st-century naming trends. The name may also draw inspiration from names like Adeline, Evelyn, or Eden while creating something more distinctive. This creation reflects the modern preference for names that sound traditional but have unique qualities. Edelynn is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and uncommon. Its melodic quality and soft sounds give it a gentle, feminine character, while the meaning associations with nobility and preciousness add substance to its aesthetic appeal.

Edelynn

Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween. 
 She had a very non-vintage-mauve image in the Coen brothers' cult favorite, Raising Arizona, in which Holly Hunter played a police officer named Edwina who was usually called Ed.
 Edwina was on the Social Security list every year through 1969, reaching a high of 378 in 1943.

Edwina

Edythe is a feminine name representing an elegant, vintage spelling variation of Edith. Derived from the Old English elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'gyth' meaning 'war,' the name paradoxically combines prosperity and conflict in its origins. 

Popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Edythe fell from favor by mid-century but has seen renewed interest amid the revival of vintage names. The name carries associations with dignity, wisdom, and old-world charm.

Notable bearers include various literary figures and historical personalities. Though still relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, Edythe appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth, sophisticated sound, and subtle uniqueness without being invented or unfamiliar.

Edythe

Eiliyah is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Elijah or Ilya, with a feminine spelling adaptation. The original Hebrew name Elijah means 'Yahweh is God,' carrying significant religious importance in Abrahamic traditions. This contemporary spelling variant incorporates trendy elements like the 'ei' beginning and 'iyah' ending, creating a feminine feel while maintaining connections to the traditional name. Eiliyah follows the popular pattern of adapting historically masculine names for girls through creative spelling. While relatively uncommon, it fits within modern naming trends favoring unique spellings of recognizable names. The name offers biblical connections with a fresh, feminine presentation, appealing to parents seeking names that balance tradition and individuality. Its melodic quality and flowing sound contribute to its emerging appeal.

Eiliyah

The site of Napoleon's exile became the great-great-aunt in the purple hat. 

Elba

Elen is a feminine name with ancient Celtic and Welsh origins, representing a traditional Welsh form of Helen. The name has historical significance in Welsh folklore, notably associated with Elen Luyddog (Elen of the Hosts), a figure from Welsh legend who was said to have built roads across Wales. Simple yet elegant, Elen carries the dignified heritage of its more common counterpart Helen, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'light' or 'bright.' While uncommon in the broader English-speaking world, it maintains steady usage in Wales and among families honoring Welsh heritage. The name's brevity gives it a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots, offering an accessible Celtic option that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Elen

Like its parent name Elijah and the related Elliot, this has potential for girls. It shares sounds with Eliza, Delilah, and Iris, along with established unisex choices, like Ellis, Emery, and Eden. Given to only a small handful of girls every year, it is not a popular choice just yet. If you do enjoy the idea, Lilias, Eirlys, Clovis, Micah, or Micaiah might appeal too.

Elias

An early form of Elizabeth, especially used to refer to the wife of Aaron in the Old Testament.

Elisheba

Elodee is a feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variation of Elodie, which derives from the Germanic name Alodia, meaning 'foreign riches' or 'foreign wealth.' This alternative spelling maintains the melodic quality of the original while giving it a distinctive written form with the double 'e' ending. The name has a delicate, lyrical sound that evokes a sense of vintage charm and femininity. While Elodie has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in France and increasingly in English-speaking countries, the Elodee variation remains quite rare. This spelling offers parents an opportunity to use a name with French roots and a sweet, musical quality while providing their child with a unique spelling that sets the name apart.

Elodee

Intriguing twist on several familiar names, though many people will mistake this for Elsa, Eliza, and so on. 

Elza

Emanuelle is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Emmanuel or Emmanuelle, derived from the Hebrew name Immanuel, meaning 'God is with us.' This biblical name appears in Isaiah's prophecy and is later associated with Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. The spelling 'Emanuelle' is less common than 'Emmanuelle,' which is the traditional French feminine form. Emanuelle carries spiritual significance while offering a soft, elegant sound. Popular in French-speaking countries and Brazil, the name has an international quality that travels well across cultures. The name gained some recognition through actress Emmanuelle Béart and a series of French films. With its melodic four syllables and meaningful etymology, Emanuelle appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and European sophistication.

Emanuelle

Embree is a feminine name with English origins, derived from place names or surnames that originally referred to areas with elm trees (from 'elm borough' or 'elm settlement'). This uncommon name carries natural associations while maintaining a contemporary sound. Embree blends traditional surname usage with modern naming trends that favor nature-inspired choices and surnames as first names. The name has a delicate yet strong quality, with its soft beginning and crisp ending creating a balanced sound. While rare as a first name, Embree offers distinctive appeal for parents seeking something unique yet accessible. The name's connection to the elm tree, traditionally symbolizing strength and dignity, adds meaningful natural symbolism that enhances its appeal as a personal name.

Embree

Emelly is a feminine name that represents a variation of Emily, which derives from the Latin name Aemilia, meaning "rival" or "eager". This modern spelling alternative adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the classic charm of the original. Emelly has gained moderate popularity in recent decades, particularly in Latin American communities and among parents seeking names with traditional roots but contemporary flair. The doubled 'l' creates a softer pronunciation and visual appeal. While less common than Emily or Emilia, Emelly offers a subtly unique option that still feels familiar and accessible, making it an increasingly appealing choice for parents worldwide.

Emelly

Emiliya

Emmaly is a feminine name that represents a creative spelling variant of Emily or possibly a combination of Emma and Emily, two perennially popular names. Emily derives from the Latin 'aemulus' meaning 'rival' or 'emulating,' while Emma comes from Germanic roots meaning 'whole' or 'universal.' This alternative spelling maintains the familiar sound of these beloved classics while offering a distinctive written form. The name carries the vintage charm and literary associations of Emily (including connections to poets Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë) while the spelling lends it a contemporary twist. Emmaly blends the straightforward appeal of Emma with the slightly more elaborate rhythm of Emily, creating a balanced option for parents who appreciate traditional names but desire something slightly different. The name remains approachable and feminine while standing apart from more common variations.